SIMPLY BRETHREN: Humility and masks

Janet Stroup,

Published
2:27 pm EDT, Tuesday, May 5, 2020

JANET STROUP

JANET STROUP

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JANET STROUP

JANET STROUP

SIMPLY BRETHREN: Humility and masks

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Sometimes earwigs that stick with us are songs. Sometimes not. "April Showers", the song of this season, is apt for this week (that this was written) with showers predicted each and every day. When we realize we can’t do lawn work amid the drips we peer out our windows and console ourselves with thoughts of flowers to come "that bloom in May." Regardless of what outside projects we’ve had in mind, they’ve needed to be altered. And we humbly acknowledge same.

However, the commodity of humility has been an earwig within me of late, and being at the mercy of weather brings it even more to the fore. We’re all used to yielding our plans to the whimsies of weather. Not that we like it, but we’re used to it. We humbly, or not so humbly, yield to its vagaries.

OUR NEW NORMAL

Presently, the COVID-19 pandemic with which we’re living offers numerous opportunities to exercise humility. Although there are those of us who choose to deny the reality of it. One has to wonder why. A variety of responses to the presence of the virus are apparent as we gaze around seeing some folks wearing masks observing the six-foot separation from folks. Others not.

True, with the science that younger folk are less likely to get the virus, or if they do, most don’t get it severely, it’s easy to see why their mantra might be, “It can’t catch me.” However, if one is over seventy years of age and has other age-related infirmities, chances of catching the virus are greater, and if obtained, more serious. Among those older individuals more care is likely to be given to wearing a mask and keeping oneself more separate from others.

But when one visits one or both of our large supermarkets one sees numerous individuals not wearing masks or observing six-foot separations. Some of us wonder why.

HUMILITY?

Being convinced that with the directives of both national and state leaders and medical experts advising masks and distancing, this writer is of the belief it has largely to do with the presence or absence of humility. Seeking wisdom from others regarding this notion of mine, I’ve asked for their thoughts and I include them here, without including their names. But I’ve appreciated their responses.

Person A suggested that the presence of humility, for her, is related to trials she’s experienced. She stated that one picks up humility when one’s not in control. She acknowledged life isn’t a path of roses, and we’re not always in control — which we find out amid trials. She used to pray for cures and an end to an illness. Now she prays for strength to get through what life has handed her.

Person B, while acknowledging "there’s no cure for stupid", recognizes that one’s response to the coronavirus — and observing masks and distancing — is generally related to age, with younger folks not fearing for themselves and older folks recognizing their risks more keenly. He feels it’s related somewhat to politics, e.g. a person’s perspective of "which ox gets gored". In otherwords, if I’m not at risk, who cares?

Person C’s perspective is that wearing or not wearing masks is related primarily to humility on two fronts: 1. Do I know more than science, and 2. How aware am I of the biggest part of humanity. In other words, it’s a relationship between humility and one’s caring for humanity. She said, “Sometimes we behave certain ways, not because it’s ‘our cup of tea’, but because of respect for humanity.” She believes a truly humble person doesn’t put him or herself first.

It occurred to me that the issue with wearing masks isn’t that different from the choices one makes when one goes to the voting booth. When one looks at an issue in terms of "What does it do for ME", one is putting oneself first and is a tad short on humility and caring for humanity.

When I see a person not wearing a mask, it’s almost as if he or she is wearing a sign, “I don’t give a d**n about you.” I wonder if they realize that’s the impression I’m getting. I wonder if they care. If all the caring is about themselves, I guess they don’t. Then again, maybe they’re not even thinking!

Anything we can do to encourage "following the rules" should help in this pandemic era. I have distributed a few signs to stores, “Thank you for showing consideration for others by wearing a mask and observing distancing.”

Any encouraging we can do for others in these difficult times is to be applauded such as the signs in front of our Dickson Township Hall, "Live, Love, and Laugh," "Life is Awesome," "Brethren Strong" and three important ones: "Hope," "Kindness" and "Patience."

Blessings your way, as we continue the not so "New abnormal times."

Janet Stroup is a longtime community member from Brethren. She has an interest in Brethren history and has been writing the Simply Brethren column for over 20 years. She can be reached at janetdonstroup@gmail.com.